Inflation-valve.



J. E. KELLER, JB. IN'PLATloN VALVE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. l. 1907.

Patented June 1', 1909.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

a Indy y y 1H: Nomus rsrsres co., wAsmNcrcN. n. c.

J. E. KELLER, JR.

INPLATION VALVE.`

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 1. 1907.

Patented June 1, 1909.

z SHEETS-SHEET 2.

fave/dwp nE/ZZe/)J l y? 1.7M LM Haak Mofweyf.

...E ...ms Pm... c... ...s........-, .L c.

flrleiTE ST TES A AENT OFFICE.

JOHN E. KELLER, JR., OF LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT.

INFLATIONVALVE.

Patented June 1, 1909.

Serial No. 386,546.

To all whom it may concern.'

Die it known that I, JOHN E. KELLER, J r., a citizen of the United States, residing at Litchfield, in the county of Litchfield and y State of Connecticut, have invented new and useful Improvements in Inflation-Valves, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to inflation valves, and more particularly to valves adapted for use in connection with pneumatic tires for motor vehicles and the like.

The primary object of my invention is to provide a device of this character which may be readily assembled and taken apart, and which, when in position, shall be efficient and not liable to become deranged.

At 'further object of my invention is to provide, in a device of this character, convenient means for locking the valve tube against rotation.

Further objects of the invention are to provide improved means for securing the valve tube in position in the felly, and to generally simplify and improve the construction.

Tith the above and other objects yin view my invention consists in the arrangement and construction of parts hereinafter described, and illustrated. in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a central longitudinal section, showing the preferred form of my improved valve complete, the same being attached to a tire. Fig. 2 is a transverse section thereof on line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a transverse section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is a transverse section on the line ll-11 of Fig. 1, parts being omitted for greater clearness. Fig. 5 is a section-on the line 5 5 of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the valve tube shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the locking plug shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a central longitudinal section similar to Fig. 1, but on an enlarged scale, showing a slightly modified construction. Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but showing a modified form of construction. Fig. 10 is a central longitudinal section similar to Fig. 1, but showing a still further modification. Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the valve tube shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of one of the parts shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the locking plug shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 14 is a central longitudinal section on an enlarged scale showing some of the parts of Fig. 1() in slightly modified form. Fig. 15 is a perspective view 0f the locking washer hereinafter referred to.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and more particularly to Fig. 1, the construction therein illustrated comprises a tire tube 1 formed at its lower end with a flange 2, provided with concentric corrugations. The inner tube 3, of the tire is adapted to he clamped between this flange and a similar corrugated washer 5 held in place by means of a nut. G working on the screw threaded exterior of the tire tube. 4 represents the outer tube of the tire, and 7 the wheel felly. FittinO' within the upper end of the tire tube is the valve tube S. As clearly shown in Fig. 6 this tube is provided with external screw threads 9 at its upper end and with a shoulder 10, below which extends an enlarged portion having therein a central longitudinal slot 18, and, formed on the outside thereof, an annular groove 19. An expansible sleeve 11 of rubber, or similar material surrounds the tube 8 and fits against the shoulder 10, and is held in position by a compression sleeve 12 which in turn, is secured in place by means of a nut 13 having a milled edge. screw threaded on to the upper portion 9 of the valve tube. By reference to Fig. 1 it f will be seen that by screwing down this nulY 13 the sleeve 12 is caused to impinge against the expansible sleeve 11 and cause the same to swell or bulge, thereby forming an air tig-ht joint between the valve tube and tire tube, Vand at the saine time, securing the two tubes together by frictional engagement, so as to prevent accidental displacement.

In Fig. S I have illustrated a slightly modified form of the compression sleeve and l nut. By reference to this figure it will be seen that l form the compression sleeve 112 with a radial flange at its upper edge 114, and form, in the nut 113, a kind of socket which embraces this flange. Thus the two parts 112 and 113 are swiveled together and prevented from separating when the valve is taken apart. This figure also illustrates the bulging of the expansible sleeve 11 due to the pressure.

As shown in Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive the tire tube 1 is formed with flat sides1al as is usual in this art, and the locking washers are formed so as to fit. these flattened sides and be prevented from rotating. The improved means which I prefer to use in order to hold the tire tube against rotation relative to the felly consists of a washer 29, embracing the tire tube and formed on its under face, where it comes in contact with the felly, with a series of radial serrations or teeth. A nut 28 screw threaded en to the tire tube, serves to press the washer 29 into engagement with the felly and thus secure the parts in position. Slipped loosely over the tire tube and enveloping the nut 28 and washer 29, is a soft rubber bushing 27. A washer 25, carrying a packing ring 26, is adapted to overlie this bushing, and the cover cap 241, screwed securely over the tire tube, is adapted to bear against the packing ring 26 and thereby force the bushing 27 into close engagement with the felly 7, thus forming practically a dust and water proof joint. Nithin the valve tube 8 is disposed the valve 14, carried by the valve stem 15, which. extends practically the entire length of the valve tube. Surrounding the lower end of this valve stem 15 is a spring 17, bearing at one end against the valve and at the other end against the top of the locking plug 20. As clearly shown in Fig. 7 this locking plug consists of a hollow cylindrical body, provided with a pair of rip-standing lugs or arms 21, adapted to it into the slot 18 of the valve tube 8. The locking plug 20 is also provided with an indentation 22. rlhis locking plug i'its, as shown in Fig. 1, into the lower portion of the tire tube, and after being inserted, the tube is upset by means of a punch, as shown at in Fig. 5, thereby forcing the metal into the indentation 22 of the locking plug and thus securing it in position. It is evident therefore that since the bifurcated portion of the valve tube embraces the lugs 21 on the locking plug, the valve tube will thus be held against rotation relative to the tire tube, but may be readily withdrawn therefrom longitudinally. The purpose of the annular groove 19 is to prevent the valve 1&1 from dropping out of the valve tube when the parts are separated. As shown in Fig. 1 the groove 19 forms aV corresponding annular rib within the valve tube, which is of such size as to prevent the valve readily slipping past the same, but the resiliency of the split portion of the tube permits the valve to be forced past the rib when it is desired to remove the saine. The usual air cap 1G is fitted to the upper end of the valve tube.

Referring now to Fig. 9 it will be seen that the tire tube there illustrated is of slightly different form. Besides being externally screw threaded, its entii'e length, it is internally screw threaded a short dis tance at its upper end to receive a locking sleeve 43. The valve tube 38, provided at its upper end with a screw threaded portion 89, is also formed with an annular collar il() against which the locking sleeve a3 bears. Between the lower side of this collar' i() and an annular shoulder 42 formed on the inside of the tire tube, a packing ring i1 is adapted to tit. lt is obvious that the pressure exerted by the locking sleeve 413, upon being screwed up, secures the parts together with a practically air tight joint at the packing ring 41. The valve, valve stem, spring, and locking plug are constructed and arranged substantially the same as in Fig. 1.

Referring new to Fig. 10, I have illustrated a further modification which presents several points of difference over the types of construction above described. The valve tube (38 is adapted to be secured in position by means of a locking sleeve 7 3 which bears against a shoulder of said tube and embraces the tire tube, and engages with the external screws threads thereon. A packing ring 71, similar in construction and operation to the packing ring L1v1 illustrated in Fig. 9, is provided, and an air tight joint is formed between this ring and the shoulder 72 formed in the tire tube (51. The valve tube however, illustrated in Fig. 10, and more clearly shown in Fig. 11, is relatively shorter than that shown in the other figures and is adaptedv to coperate at its lower end with an additional element which l shall designate a spring holder. rlhis device is shown clearly in Fig. 12 and comprises an annular flange 86 which snugly iits the interior of the tire tube and from which depends a lug 87 adapted 'to be embraced by the arms 81 carried by the locking plug 80. This locking plug 8O is provided with an indentation 82, as clearly shown in Fig. 13, and has the same function as the locking plug illus trated in F ig. 7. Referring again to Fig. 12 it will he seen that above the flange 86 extends a pair of arms 89, carrying at their upper end a ring 88. It will be seen that this ring 88 is of smaller diameter than the `flange 86, and is adapted to tit within the valve tube 68, while the arms 89 are adapted to lie within the slot 78 formed in the valve tube. rlhe ring 88 is of such diameter that it may be forced into the valve tube past the annular rib 79 formed therein, and thc parts arso proportioned that the spring holder will not slip out accidentally, but can only be withdrawn from the valve tube by exerting considerable force. Y and rests upon the flange 86 while, at the same time, it embraces the valve stein 7 5; thus the valve is held upward against its seat, while the spring holder is forced dowir ward by the spring so that the lower edge of the ring 88 abuts against the rib 79. (See Fig. 10).

lt will be seen that in Fig. 10 the valve stem is screw threaded at both ends, and at the upper end a hollow thumb screw or cap A spring 77 i'its within the ring 88 7 6 is screwed over the end thereof. The function of the screw threads on the lower end of the valve stem is illustrated in l `ig. 14C. In case it is desired to remove the valve and spring holder from the valve tube, the valve tube is first removed from the tire tube by releasing the locking sleeve T3. Then by unscrewing the cap T6 from the upper end of the valve stem and attaching it to the lower end thereof as shown in Fig. 1-1 the valve and spring holder assembled may be readily withdrawn from the lower end of the Yalve tube. Thus inspection and repairsY are readily accomplished without danger of losing or displacing any of the smaller parts. In the form of valve shown in Fig. 10 the cap or cover 84, instead of engaging directly with the tire tube, engages with a screw threaded nut 85 which, in turn, is fitted to the tire tube. rIhis construction is designed in order to permit the use of the locking sleeve 73.

l/hile I have shown and described several modifications of my invention it is obvious that they all contain the same general idea, namely, the provision of a locking plug for securing the valve tube and tire tube against relative rotation, while, at the same time, permitting their ready separation. It is to be understood also that the locking washer 29 and rubber bushing 27 shown in Fig. 1 are equally applicable to the constructions shown in Figs. 9 and 10. In this connection it may be noted that the resiliency of the bushing 27 exerts a pressure against the end of the c'over cap 24 and thus frictionally holds the saine against becoming loosened, owing to vibration. The bushing 2T therefore serves a double purpose.

In assembling any of the forms of my improved valve it may be seen that it is necessary for the slot in the valve tube to properly fit the lugs on the locking plug before the valve tube can be inserted sufiiciently far in the tire tube to permit of securing it therein. By this means, all danger is eliminated of wrongly assembling the parts, for with my construction, it is iiiipossible to secure the valve tube within the tire tube unless the packing rings are prop-A erly seated. I have thus provided a valve which may be assembled in the dark without fear of any error being made, since the valve tube is simply slipped into the tire tube and turned until it drops into position, when the securing means can be adjusted.

It will thus be seen that I have provided a very simple and eflicient valve construction, and it is thought that the many advantages thereof will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

What I claim is 1. In combination, a tire-tube, a valvetube fitting therein, and a locking plug extending longitudinally of, and secured in said tire -tube and detachably connected with said valve tube, whereby the parts are held against rotation.

L). In combination, a tire-tube, a valve tube fitting therein, a locking plug rigidly secured within said tire-tube, and extending longitudinally thereof and means detach-. ably connectin said locking plug and valvetube.

In combination, a tii'e-tube, a valve tube fitting therein, a locking plug secured in and extending longitudinally of said tire-tube, and held against movement in any direction, and means connecting said valve tube and locking plug, such means holding said parts against relative rotation, but permitting the free movement of the valve tube in direction of its length.

et. In combination, a valve tube, having a valve seat, a valve-stein extending through said tube and carrying a valve cooperating. 1 with said seat, and yieldable means formed from the material of said valve tube for engaging said valve and preventing it being accidentally dislodged from the tube.

In combination, a valve tube, a valve seat formed therein, a projection formed on the inner wall of said tube, and a valve having free movement between said seat and said projection, but capable of being forced past said projection.

6. In combination, a valve tube, a valve therein, and means integral with said tube for preventing the accidental separation of said parts while permitting them to be readily disconnected.

T. In combination, a tire-tube, a valve tube fitting therein, means for rigidly locking said parts against relative rotation only, and additional means for holding said parts against relative longitudinal movement by friction only.

S. In combination, a tire-tube, a valve tube fitting therein, an expansible sleeve surrounding said valve tube, and means for exerting pressure on said sleeve, so as to cause it to expand and grip the interior of said tiie-tube, and thus hold the valve tube against longitudinal movement.

9. In combination, a tire-tube, a valve tube fitting therein, an expansible sleeve surrounding said valve tube, aiid a nut screw threaded onto said tube, and serving to exert a pressure on said sleeve and expand the same, and cause it to engage the said tire tube.

10. In combination, a tire-tube, a valve tube fitting therein, an expansible sleeve surrounding said valve tube and in contact with said tire-tube, a compression sleeve bearing upon said expansible sleeve, and a nut, screw threaded onto said valve tube, and bearing against said compression sleeve.

11. In combination, a. tire-tube, a valve tube fitting therein, an expansible sleeve surrounding said valve tube and adapted to be forced against said tire-tube, and means for expanding said sleeve, said means comprisin a compression sleeve bearing against said expansible sleeve and provided with an annular, radial flange, and a nut, screw threaded onto said valve tube and provided with a socket adapted to'embraee said radial flange.

l2. In Combination, a tire-tube, means for securing` the same to a Wheel felly, a cover cap screwed on to said tube, and a resilient bushing surrounding said tube, enveloping` said ser-,ui'ing means, and held in position against the Wheel -telly by means of pressure exerted thereon by said cover cap, whereby said cap is held against accidental displacement by the friction caused by said resilient bushing.

ln testimony whereof l have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

JOHN E. KELLER, JR. lVtnesses F. lV. HUMPI-IREY, E. lV, Lyin-m. 

